In the Talensi, Nabdam, and Bongo districts of the Upper East region, 40 Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups affiliated with the Maaltaaba Peasant Women Farmer Cooperative are currently benefitting from an initiative aimed at supporting them with soya seeds (jenjuma), inoculants, and seedlings for planting. The primary goal of this support is to not only benefit the members of these groups but also empower them through training on properly utilizing the inoculants. Miss Lydia, the executive director of Maaltaaba, has emphasized the importance of adapting to changing seasons and embracing new agricultural technologies, underlining that the organization self-funded these initiatives to enable the training of women on the importance of inoculation.
The deliberate choice of soya beans is based on their value chain and the known benefits of microbial inoculants in enhancing soil and plant health. This, in turn, reduces the need for excessive fertilizer use. Maaltaaba is dedicated to supporting its members by providing certified soya seeds, inoculants, and tree seedlings, as well as covering the costs of ploughing. Notably, the women are encouraged to engage in group farming on lands provided by various chiefs. These efforts align with Maaltaaba’s commitment to combating climate change and empowering members to utilize available resources to generate income and ensure food security.
Furthermore, the organization has also extended support to those who cannot afford to pay for sowing by using a planter. Miss Lydia also encouraged the women to transition to using certified seeds instead of depending on seeds of varied quality, emphasizing the advantages of using drought-resistant and pest-tolerant varieties.
The women in return appreciated the kind gesture by maaltaaba and promised to always obey their instructions.
